There is an old phrase that appears to be quite true: “Behind every successful man, there is a strong woman.” It is easier to test this adage by looking at the lives of some famous and wealthy people.
This strong-woman theory was valid in the case of Awele Vivian Elumelu, the respected medical doctor and successful spouse of banking mogul and philanthropist, Tony Elumelu. To some wealthy men, they have pillars called women who helped in nurturing their dreams and Awele is one of such success stories. To her, it’s been one hell of a ride but she is someone who believes strongly in whatever goals and dreams her billionaire husband believes in. In addition to her brain and entrepreneurship, Awele also happens to be gorgeous.
She plays an active part in her husband’s conglomerate —Heirs Holdings— as the Chief Executive Officer of Avon Medical Services Limited, and also oversees the healthcare investments of the family business. Yet, Awele has maintained a very quiet profile and non ubiquitous life —even some of her popular social media platforms are privatised— since she got married. Meanwhile, birthdays come once in a year. Such a momentous occasion is much more than a day to receive gifts.
For Awele, it was a day that slipped by perhaps for the simple reason being who she is; that is one known for low profile. But such a memorable day wouldn’t just pass by without the kind words a beautiful, humble, faithful and pious wife could get from her appreciative husband. And gregarious Tony has never let such a day go by without sweet, affectionate words to celebrate Awele, his adorable better half —much more importantly as her birthday coincides with Awele bagging the much coveted national honour of the Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR).
On Friday, June 23, Awele was a year older and her husband shared stunning photos of her in a red dress on his social media platforms in celebration of the woman he described as his quiet backbone. “Happy birthday #MrsTOE,” he wrote, promising to be hers forever just as the philanthropist also delighted his Instagram followers with a photo of himself and wife taken when they were younger. Awele and Tony got married in 1993. The powerful couple has seven children —five girls and two boys. Awele cherishes her privacy greatly and usually makes lasting statements especially with her unique ways and whenever she steps out with her husband at corporate and social events.
A gender advocate, Awele is busy contributing to the health sector by providing healthcare insurance to thousands of Nigerians across the country. She is also an African Ambassador for Gavi, the vaccine alliance driven by a public–private global health partnership committed to increasing access to immunisation in poor countries.
